A court on Saturday sent Syedpur Upazila Chairman candidate Faisal Didar Dipu to jail for not complying with a verdict handed down by a mobile court.
A mobile court fined Syedpur Upazila Chairman candidate Faisal Didar Dipu Tk40,000 for conducting an election showdown with a horse, by default, he had to serve one month in jail.
But the candidate did not comply with the verdict.
Later, Syedpur Upazilla Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aminul Islam filed a case against him in this regard.
Following the case, he was arrested.
Nilphamari Judicial Magistrate Court Judge Shahin Kabir on Saturday denied his bail and ordered Dipu to be jailed.
According to election office sources, at 4pm on Friday, a horse-drawn cart was parked in front of the election office of the horse symbol across from Sonali Bank on Shaheed Tulshiram Road in the city. During the time the upazila executive magistrate arrived at the scene and fined him Tk40,000 for violating the electoral code of conduct, with a one-month non-bailable imprisonment if fine is unpaid.
As he did not comply with the verdict, he was taken into police custody.
Until 1am on Friday night, he was asked to settle the case by paying the fine, but he refused.
Later, a regular case was filed against him for obstructing government work.
Following the case, he was presented before the court, and the judge denied his bail and sent him to jail.
Regarding the incident, Dipu said: "We were not campaigning with the horse-drawn cart at the time. There were no banners or posters on that cart. Yet, the magistrate imposed a fine of Tk40,000 with a one-month imprisonment on false charges. There was no violation of the code of conduct. Therefore, I do not accept this verdict and will not pay the fine."
He further said: "I have been wrongly punished. If necessary, I will serve one month in jail, but will not accept this injustice. Despite many candidates violating the electoral code of conduct, the administration remains indifferent. Yet, I am being punished without committing any offence."
Dipu's wife, Fatema Didar, said: "Our candidate being heavyweight has become a headache for many. Therefore, this unfortunate incident was orchestrated to hinder us. The administration has been influenced by someone's provocation. Despite other candidates violating the code of conduct similarly, no action has been taken against them. Dipu has been sent to jail with a clear motive. We strongly condemn this. We will legally fight against this illegal act. If necessary, we will appeal to the court and the Election Commission."
Syedpur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shah Alam said at a press briefing on Saturday noon: "We are unaware of the actual matter. The upazila assistant commissioner (Land) called on the phone and ordered the arrest of Faisal Didar Dipu. Following the incident, the police arrested the candidate and seized the horse and the cart, bringing them to the police station. He was fined for violating the electoral code of conduct, and upon refusal to pay, the order was given. After receiving the case details, he was sent to court."
Meanwhile, after the incident, supporters of the horse symbol candidate held a protest rally and a meeting in the city. Tensions remain high in Syedpur on Saturday.
The locals fear unwanted incidents on election day due to this event. This incident is being widely discussed everywhere.
